Aquarius Sail Owners

After a great day of hull flying, I can see on the inside of the starboard hull, under the tramp, there is a slight concave spot about the length of the tramp before I pull the plug. When I pull the plug on the starboard hull, there is a HUGE rush of air going INTO the hull. About 10 seconds worth. After the rush of air, then about a cup or 2 of water comes out. HELP me on this one. What is going on? We didn't turn over or anything. Just a great day of sailing. Outside temperature is about 95 degrees and the water is about 78 degrees. Could the temperature have anything do to with it? And if the hull is so air tight, how does water get in there in the first place? Drain the hulls after every trip and this happens just about every trip. Any ideas? Port hull is no problem. Normal cup or 2 of water when I pull the plug. No RUSH of air on the port hull.

It is odd that a vacuum is forming, usually the hull becomes pressurized due to the warm temps heating the air up inside the hull. To prevent damage, every hull should have a small (1/16" diameter) vent hole drilled in the transom just above the rudder gudgeon. I would suggest checking for this vent hole and if it doesn't exist or is plugged you should drill it out. This should take care of the vacuum issue.
If the leak persists after addressing the vacuum issue there are a few steps you can take. One trick is taking a vacuum cleaner and hooking a hose up to the exhaust and loosely attaching it to the drain plug. Make sure you don't seal it tight as this can overpressure the hull and cause damage. With some airflow going into the hull, use some soapy water to check around all fittings and the keel seam. If there is a leak you should get bubbles.

Hope that helps.

Hey Matt, thanks for the tip. Finally got out yesterday and drilled the holes. Went out and when we came in and pulled the plugs, NO air rush. Thanks again.